Local

Thousands Of Dollars Stolen From Catholic Church In Northeast Baltimore

Related Tags:

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Catholic churches are beefing up their security measures after thousands of dollars are stolen from a Northeast Baltimore parish.

Andrea Fujii has the story.

Nearly $6,000 in cash and checks was stolen from St. Francis of Assisi Church in Northeast Baltimore last week.

“That’s awful. Inside of a church, that’s awful,” said one person.

The burglar may have used a ladder to get into a second floor office window and then opened the safe.

The church has an alarm system, but it’s not clear if it was on at the time. What is clear is the safe was not locked.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is now reminding parishes to remain vigilant, especially during the holidays when there can be more money on hand.

“We have very strict policies and procedures in place making sure that there isn’t a lot of money in the parishes themselves and when we do collect it, it’s immediately deposited,” said Sean Caine, Baltimore Archdiocese.

Residents say sadly they’re not surprised.

“Usually around this time of the year something tragic happens, and you gotta be real careful,” said a resident.

It’s a grim reminder that churches are vulnerable to crime, too.

“It won’t deter us in what we’re doing to help the poor and the people we serve,” said Caine.

The stolen checks were canceled, and the rest of the $1,400 in cash will be covered by insurance.

Police say they don’t have any suspects in this case.

There was a similar burglary at that same church more than a decade ago.